From 29 May 2022, there is no need for the public to register a death at a physical counter. The death will be automatically registered once a doctor certifies a death online. A digital death certificate will be issued and can be retrieved from the My Legacy. For further information, Next-of-Kin (NOK) can visit ICA’s website.
After the death is certified by a doctor, NOK are advised to download the digital death certificate as soon as they have received the digital death certificate number from the doctor or hospital staff. They will be given up to 30 days to download the digital death certificate. Once downloaded, the digital death certificate can be stored on the NOK’s personal devices.
With the digital death certificate, NOK may directly apply for a Permit to Bury/Cremate at the National Environment Agency (NEA)’s e-Services website – ePortal, or authorise a person (such as a Funeral Director) to do so.
In scenarios where the next-of-kin is unable to obtain a digital death certificate, they can use any of the written confirmation of death documents for the application of Permit to Bury/Cremate (specimen of each of the various documents)
The Permit to Bury/Cremate is required before NOK can proceed with the Application for Burial/Cremation at government-managed after-death facilities and for cremation at private crematoria. More information on the application processes may be obtained via User Guide for NEA ePortal: After-death services.
Depending on where the death occurred, you may refer to the following sections.
• If the death occurs in a hospital
• If the death occurs at home
• If the death occurs overseas